1997
In 1954, on the fictional San Piedro Island, Japanese-American fisherman Kabuo Miyamoto is accused of murdering fellow fisherman Carl Heine, whose body is found entangled in his fishing net. The trial unfolds with flashbacks revealing the complex history between the Japanese and white communities on the island, particularly the land dispute between the Miyamoto and Heine families, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Journalist Ishmael Chambers, who lost an arm in the war and harbors unrequited love for Kabuo's wife, Hatsue, covers the trial, grappling with his past and present feelings. As the trial progresses, evidence is presented about Kabuo's combat training and a tense encounter he had with Carl over the disputed land, leading the prosecution to paint him as a vengeful killer.
Save the Cat beat sheet
The screenplay opens with a mysterious death at sea and quickly moves into a courtroom drama, introducing Ishmael Chambers and the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto.
Open full beat sheetIshmael Chambers is listed as Journalist. Early 30s, rugged, somber, amputated left arm. In the parsed data, Ishmael Chambers is connected to 39 scenes, 152 dialogue lines, 152 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
39 scenes / 152 dialogue linesHatsue Miyamoto is listed as Kabuo's wife. Slender, refined beauty, impassive. In the parsed data, Hatsue Miyamoto is connected to 31 scenes, 64 dialogue lines, 65 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
31 scenes / 64 dialogue linesKabuo Miyamoto is listed as Defendant. Early 30s, Asian, Samurai-like demeanor, stoic. In the parsed data, Kabuo Miyamoto is connected to 31 scenes, 45 dialogue lines, 46 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
31 scenes / 45 dialogue linesNels Gudmundsson is listed as Defense Attorney. 79, blind in left eye, shaky, wise. In the parsed data, Nels Gudmundsson is connected to 18 scenes, 90 dialogue lines, 90 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
18 scenes / 90 dialogue linesAlvin Hooks is listed as Prosecutor. Crisp, dapper, sharp-mannered. In the parsed data, Alvin Hooks is connected to 15 scenes, 44 dialogue lines, 44 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
15 scenes / 44 dialogue linesArt Moran is listed as Sheriff. Painfully thin, methodical, unimposing. In the parsed data, Art Moran is connected to 12 scenes, 57 dialogue lines, 57 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
12 scenes / 57 dialogue linesLew Fielding is listed as Judge. Tall, gray, rawboned, keen attention. In the parsed data, Lew Fielding is connected to 11 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
11 scenes / 7 dialogue linesCarl Heine is listed as Deceased fisherman. Strong, blond, handsome, 6'4", 235 lbs. In the parsed data, Carl Heine is connected to 10 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
10 scenes / 13 dialogue linesSusan Marie Heine is listed as Carl's widow. Pretty, blonde, full-bodied. In the parsed data, Susan Marie Heine is connected to 9 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
9 scenes / 19 dialogue linesOle Jurgensen is listed as Neighbor. Frail, shaky, wispy beard. In the parsed data, Ole Jurgensen is connected to 6 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
6 scenes / 16 dialogue linesAbel Martinson is listed as Deputy Sheriff. Young, anxious. In the parsed data, Abel Martinson is connected to 6 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.
6 scenes / 8 dialogue linesEtta Heine is listed as Carl's mother. Stout, German, wary, stern. In the parsed data, Etta Heine is connected to 5 scenes, 28 dialogue lines, 29 text mentions, first appearing around scene 29.
5 scenes / 28 dialogue linesZenhichi Miyamoto is listed as Kabuo's father. Stony, disciplined. In the parsed data, Zenhichi Miyamoto is connected to 4 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
4 scenes / 12 dialogue linesVictor Maples is listed as First Sergeant. Thick, powerful, no neck. In the parsed data, Victor Maples is connected to 3 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 46.
3 scenes / 15 dialogue linesFujiko Imada is listed as Hatsue's mother. Stern, traditional. In the parsed data, Fujiko Imada is connected to 3 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.
3 scenes / 14 dialogue linesHorace Whaley is listed as Coroner. Professional, stork-like limbs. In the parsed data, Horace Whaley is connected to 3 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
3 scenes / 10 dialogue linesCarl Heine Sr. is listed as Carl's father. Large, rawboned, pipe smoker. In the parsed data, Carl Heine Sr. is connected to 3 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 31.
3 scenes / 7 dialogue linesArthur Chambers is listed as Ishmael's father. Large, rugged, wears spectacles, integrity-driven. In the parsed data, Arthur Chambers is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 23.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMrs. Shigemura is listed as Tea ceremony teacher. Old woman, traditional. In the parsed data, Mrs. Shigemura is connected to 2 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
2 scenes / 6 dialogue linesHisao Imada is listed as Hatsue's father. Shaky, pipe smoker. In the parsed data, Hisao Imada is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 62.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHelen Chambers is listed as Ishmael's mother. Slender, strong, keen. In the parsed data, Helen Chambers is connected to 1 scene, 14 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 68.
1 scenes / 14 dialogue linesSterling Whitman is listed as Hematologist. Giant, superior attitude. In the parsed data, Sterling Whitman is connected to 1 scene, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 52.
1 scenes / 9 dialogue linesAlexander Van Ness is listed as Juror. Boat builder, gray beard. In the parsed data, Alexander Van Ness is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 81.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesCarl Heine is seen on his boat in the fog, lashing a lantern, while another boat approaches.
Carl Heine, Kabuo MiyamotoSheriff Moran and Deputy Martinson inspect the boat and find Carl Heine's body.
Carl Heine, Art Moran, Abel MartinsonHorace Whaley examines Carl Heine's body and discovers a skull wound.
Carl Heine, Horace WhaleySnow falls on the island as people gather for the trial.
The murder trial of Kabuo Miyamoto begins.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael approaches Hatsue, but she tells him to leave.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoSheriff Moran testifies about the discovery of the body.
Art Moran, Ishmael Chambers, Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Susan Marie HeineFlashback to Ishmael and Carl as teenagers.
Carl Heine, Ishmael ChambersSheriff Moran informs Susan Marie of Carl's death.
Art Moran, Susan Marie HeineIshmael talks to the Sheriff and other fishermen about the incident.
Art Moran, Ishmael Chambers, Ole JurgensenNels Gudmundsson cross-examines Sheriff Moran.
Art Moran, Kabuo Miyamoto, Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Nels GudmundssonHorace Whaley testifies about the cause of death.
Horace Whaley, Kabuo Miyamoto, Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Nels GudmundssonFlashback to Kabuo training with his father.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Zenhichi MiyamotoNels continues cross-examining Whaley.
Abel Martinson, Horace Whaley, Kabuo Miyamoto, Hatsue Miyamoto, Lew Fielding, Nels GudmundssonFlashback to Kabuo and Hatsue's wedding.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Hatsue MiyamotoHatsue watches Kabuo being led away by Abel; Ishmael watches Hatsue.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Kabuo Miyamoto, Abel Martinson, Ishmael ChambersEstablishment of the internment camp environment.
Kabuo and Hatsue get married.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Hatsue MiyamotoThe newlyweds spend their wedding night in the barracks.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Hatsue Miyamoto, Fujiko ImadaFlashback to Hatsue's tea ceremony lessons.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Mrs. ShigemuraYoung Hatsue and Ishmael share a moment in the woods.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Ishmael ChambersMrs. Shigemura instructs Hatsue on grace and Japanese identity.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Mrs. ShigemuraYoung Ishmael learns about the printing press from his father.
Ishmael Chambers, Arthur ChambersArthur and Ishmael attend the Strawberry Festival.
Arthur Chambers, Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael and Hatsue dig for clams and share a kiss.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael watches Hatsue from afar.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael watches Hatsue work in the fields.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael and Hatsue meet in the cedar grove to talk.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Ishmael ChambersEtta Heine testifies about the land dispute.
Ishmael Chambers, Alvin Hooks, Etta Heine, Kabuo Miyamoto, Nels GudmundssonFlashback to the land deal between Carl Sr. and Zenhichi.
Etta Heine, Carl Heine Sr., Zenhichi MiyamotoEtta confronts Zenhichi about the payments.
Etta Heine, Carl Heine Sr., Zenhichi MiyamotoCarl Jr. is forced to return a fishing rod to Kabuo.
Carl Heine Sr., Etta Heine, Carl HeineKabuo confronts Etta about the land.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Etta HeineFlashback to Kabuo in the war.
Kabuo MiyamotoOle Jurgensen testifies.
Ole Jurgensen, Alvin HooksKabuo visits Ole and Liesel to inquire about the farm, only to learn Carl Heine has already put down earnest money.
Ole Jurgensen, Susan Marie Heine, Kabuo MiyamotoJudge Fielding dismisses the jury for the night, noting the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Lew FieldingHatsue encounters Ishmael performing a coin trick for her children.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Ishmael ChambersAbel Martinson gives Kabuo candy bars from Nels.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Abel MartinsonNels Gudmundsson visits Kabuo to play chess and discuss the case.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Nels Gudmundsson, Art MoranIshmael uses a homemade device to clip his fingernails.
Ishmael ChambersHatsue smokes on the porch, reflecting on her situation and memories of the internment camp.
Hatsue MiyamotoFujiko confronts Hatsue about a secret letter from a boy.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Fujiko ImadaHatsue and Fujiko return to their quarters where Kabuo is helping build furniture.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Fujiko Imada, Kabuo MiyamotoIshmael smokes on the porch and recalls his war experience.
Ishmael ChambersIshmael recalls the landing at Tarawa and the death of his squad leader.
Ishmael ChambersIshmael undergoes surgery to amputate his arm.
Ishmael ChambersKabuo sits alone in his cell.
Kabuo MiyamotoZenhichi teaches Kabuo about samurai honor while burying family treasures.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Zenhichi MiyamotoSheriff Moran testifies about the ropes found on the boats.
Art Moran, Alvin HooksSheriff Moran and Abel arrest Kabuo on his boat.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Art Moran, Abel MartinsonNels cross-examines Moran and Dr. Whitman.
Nels Gudmundsson, Art Moran, Sterling WhitmanSgt. Maples testifies about Kabuo's combat skills.
Alvin Hooks, Victor MaplesFlashback to Kabuo demonstrating kendo skills to Sgt. Maples.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Victor MaplesSusan Marie Heine testifies.
Alvin Hooks, Susan Marie Heine, Ishmael ChambersFlashback to Susan Marie and Carl in the shower.
Susan Marie Heine, Carl HeineFlashback to Susan Marie and Carl in a moment of intimacy.
Susan Marie Heine, Carl HeineSusan Marie refinishes a table while watching Carl and Kabuo outside.
Susan Marie Heine, Carl Heine, Kabuo MiyamotoCarl and Susan Marie discuss his tense interaction with Kabuo.
Susan Marie Heine, Carl HeineNels cross-examines Susan Marie about Carl's feelings toward Kabuo.
Susan Marie Heine, Lew Fielding, Nels Gudmundsson, Alvin HooksIshmael encounters Hisao and Hatsue Imada stuck in the snow.
Ishmael Chambers, Hisao Imada, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael drives Hisao and Hatsue, discussing the trial.
Ishmael Chambers, Hisao Imada, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael arrives at the lighthouse to search records.
Ishmael ChambersIshmael meets Levant and begins searching for records.
Ishmael ChambersFlashback to Ishmael's first encounter with Hatsue after the war.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael finds the report regarding the S.S. West Corona and Carl Heine.
Ishmael ChambersFlashback to Ishmael confronting Hatsue on the beach.
Ishmael Chambers, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael eats dinner with his mother, Helen.
Ishmael Chambers, Helen ChambersIshmael reflects on his past and the documents he possesses.
Ishmael ChambersFlashback to Ishmael's father's funeral.
Ishmael Chambers, Arthur ChambersHatsue testifies about the agreement between Carl and Kabuo.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Nels Gudmundsson, Alvin HooksHatsue Miyamoto is cross-examined by Hooks regarding her and Kabuo's silence about the encounter with Carl Heine. She is dismissed after a tense exchange.
Hatsue Miyamoto, Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Nels GudmundssonJosiah Gillanders testifies about the unwritten rules of the sea and the unlikelihood of a forced boarding.
Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Nels Gudmundsson, Ole JurgensenNels visits Kabuo in his cell to discuss the strategy of admitting the encounter with Carl happened by accident.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Nels GudmundssonFlashback to the encounter between Kabuo and Carl on the water.
Carl Heine, Kabuo MiyamotoKabuo testifies about the encounter with Carl and the battery.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Alvin Hooks, Lew Fielding, Nels GudmundssonHooks and Nels deliver their closing arguments.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Alvin Hooks, Nels GudmundssonAdjournment and a brief moment between Kabuo and Hatsue.
Art Moran, Kabuo Miyamoto, Hatsue MiyamotoIshmael visits Kabuo in his cell to discuss the lanterns found on the boats.
Kabuo Miyamoto, Art Moran, Ishmael ChambersIshmael, Moran, and Abel inspect the boats for evidence of lanterns.
Art Moran, Abel Martinson, Ishmael ChambersWell, sir. I hate to spoil the soliloquy, I truly do. But the fact is...you are not on trial here. Nor is Judge Fielding, or myself. Nor the good people of this jury. For events that took place twelve years ago.
Maybe Carl picks up something about the freighter on his radio, which is now working. Same report Milholland heard. And that makes him get the lantern fast. Before the freighter's wake can bang it around.
I was s'posed to tell him there's some illegal contract muddling things up? You folks didn't make your payments. In America, bank comes in and repossesses your land. I didn't do anything wrong.
We will call Sheriff Moran, who will confirm this. And Coroner Whaley to testify that the damage to the gunnel is of a size and nature not inconsistent with the deceased's skull fracture...
You threatened me, Chambers, pure and simple. And what idiot's gonna believe some cock and bull story that I made a deal to keep stuff outta your paper? Not that anybody reads your paper.
So there he was. His father lost his health there, finally died. They lost more than Etta Heine's seven acres. They lost their liberty, their dignity. Their ideals about this country.
This Court takes judicial notice of the fact that tomorrow is the 13th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Which has no relationship to this trial. Which is why I mention it.
You scraped the dried blood from the butt of the gaff. Where a fella's hand goes. And what did you see under your microscope, besides the B positive blood and the wood scrapings...?
SlugDB turns parsed screenplays into scene, character, dialogue, trivia, semantic search, Save the Cat, and API-ready analysis.
Use SlugDB when you need screenplay API data, movie dialogue search, character evidence, scene context, or MCP tools without building a scraper first.